Preparing an Apartment for Rent | Part 2: Practical Guide

NT Vadovas
Preparing an Apartment for Rent | Part 2: Practical Guide

Preparing an Apartment for Rent | Part 2: Practical Guide

In the first part, we covered pricing, taxes, and documents. Now let's talk about what directly affects your rental income — preparing the apartment itself.

Brandon and Heather Turner dedicate an entire chapter to this in "The Book on Managing Rental Properties" — the so-called "make-ready" process. It's a systematic apartment preparation between tenants that, when done correctly, increases rent, reduces vacancy, and minimizes long-term problems.

In this part, we adapt the best global practices — from both Brandon Turner's book and Airbnb's official guides — to the Lithuanian market with specific tips for the Vilnius context.

Rental Type Dictates Preparation Strategy

Before buying the first piece of furniture, you need to answer the question: who are you renting to? Different rental types require completely different approaches.

Long-term Rental (12+ months)

This is the most popular option in Lithuania. Target audience — young professionals, couples, families.

What long-term tenants value:

  • Functionality and practicality, not Instagram aesthetics
  • Sufficient storage space (closets, wardrobes)
  • Quality appliances that won't break after six months
  • Durable furniture and materials — people will live here, not pose for photos
  • Quiet environment, good transport connections, proximity to shops

Investment philosophy: buy mid-to-high quality items that last 5–10 years without replacement.

Short-term Rental (Airbnb / Booking)

In Vilnius, short-term rentals are popular in Old Town, New Town, and near business centers. The standard here is different — closer to a hotel.

What short-term guests value:

  • Aesthetics — the apartment needs to look great in photos
  • Convenience from minute one — self check-in, clear instructions
  • Cleanliness — hotel-level
  • Location — proximity to Old Town, restaurants, transport

Investment philosophy: invest in visual impact and amenities. Stage the apartment like a product.

Student Rental

Most relevant in Vilnius near VU, VGTU, MRU campuses.

What students value:

  • Fast internet — priority number 1
  • Proximity to university and public transport
  • Price — students are the most price-sensitive
  • Simple but tidy finish

Investment philosophy: budget but sturdy furniture. IKEA + basic appliances. Don't overspend but don't go cheap either — damaged furniture = constant headaches.

Corporate / Expat Rental

Premium segment — foreign specialists, business travelers, relocation agency clients.

What corporate tenants value:

  • Premium finish and modern furniture
  • English-language documents (lease agreement, house manual)
  • Flexible lease term (3–12 months)
  • Location in a prestigious area (Old Town, Naujamiestis, Žvėrynas)

Investment philosophy: invest more but charge more. This segment pays 20–40% above market average.

Interior Design Styles for Rental

Interior choice isn't about taste — it's about strategy. The goal: appeal to the largest possible portion of potential tenants.

scandinavian minimalist apartment interior with light wood and white walls

Scandinavian Minimalism (recommended)

This is the gold standard for rental apartments across Europe, and Lithuania is no exception.

Principles:

  • Light colors: white/gray tones, light wood
  • Natural materials: oak, linen, cotton
  • Minimal decor — fewer items = easier to clean and maintain
  • Function over form

Why it works for rental:

  • Appeals to 8 out of 10 people — neutral, doesn't offend any taste
  • Easy to maintain and refresh
  • IKEA, JYSK, and Vilnius furniture stores offer plenty of options in this style
  • Looks great in photos (important for listings)

Modern Industrial

Concrete, metal, open-space aesthetics. Suits lofts and new-build projects with high ceilings.

Advantages:

  • Attracts young professionals and creatives
  • Durable surfaces — concrete doesn't scratch like laminate
  • Stylish and contemporary

Disadvantages:

  • Can look cold and uninviting if overdone
  • Not for everyone — narrower audience

What to Avoid in a Rental Apartment

  • Too much personal style — your favorite burgundy-and-gold scheme might repel 70% of tenants
  • Dark, oppressive tones — a dark kitchen = "this place is dirty" feeling
  • Cheap furniture that wears out quickly — bargain-bin particle board furniture will look terrible after a year and need replacing. Better to invest slightly more upfront
  • Overly expensive designer pieces — tenants don't appreciate a €2,000 light fixture the way you do

What Every Rental Apartment Must Have

Brandon Turner recommends a "make-ready" checklist — a standardized inventory every apartment should have. Adapted for the Lithuanian market:

modern kitchen with appliances ready for rental apartment

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator — standard size with freezer
  • Stove / cooktop + oven — induction cooktops are most popular among tenants
  • Washing machine — in Lithuania, this is a standard requirement (in some countries it's not)
  • Dishwasher — if space allows, it's a major plus
  • Microwave — not essential, but good added value
  • Basic dish set — 4 plates, glasses, spoons/forks/knives, pots (2–3), frying pan
  • Table and chairs — at least 2 seats

Bedroom

  • Quality mattress — this is an investment, not an expense. A bad mattress = unhappy tenants = shorter lease periods. Invest at least €300–500
  • Wardrobe or closet — sufficient storage space is one of the most common complaints
  • Nightstands and lighting — basic comfort
  • Curtains — blackout curtains. A small detail that makes a big difference
  • Bedding — not essential for long-term rental, but recommended to have a spare set for the first night

Bathroom

  • Shower or bathtub — clean, mold-free
  • Towel rack and mirror — with lighting if possible
  • Ventilation — bathrooms without windows must have a working fan. Mold = tenant complaints + damage to finishes
  • Bathroom cabinet — space for personal items

💡 Tip: Mold in the bathroom is the most common reason tenants become disappointed with an apartment in the first few months. Invest in proper ventilation and washable paint.

Common Living Area

  • Sofa — check that cleaning doesn't require special products
  • TV or smart TV with streaming capability (Netflix, YouTube)
  • Wi-Fi router — speed at least 100 Mbps. In 2026, slow internet = deal breaker
  • Workspace — post-COVID reality. A desk and chair by the window = huge plus in the listing
  • Lighting — warm white light (3000K), multiple light sources per room

Airbnb Preparation Checklist

If you're planning short-term rental, Airbnb's official guide recommends three preparation levels:

1. Cleaning (mandatory)

  • Wipe all surfaces, especially kitchen counters and bathroom
  • Change bedding and towels for every guest
  • Sweep and mop floors, including under furniture
  • Check for hair in the bathroom
  • Daniel, Airbnb Superhost: "We leave 6 hours between reservations for thorough cleaning"

2. Basic Amenities (mandatory)

  • Toilet paper, soap, shower gel, shampoo
  • Towels — one per guest
  • Pillows and blankets — per guest
  • Coffee, tea, sugar — a pleasant surprise
  • Dish soap, sponge, paper towels in the kitchen

3. Extra Touches (recommended)

  • Welcome note or local treats basket
  • House manual: Wi-Fi password, appliance instructions, recycling rules, emergency phone number
  • Local area guide: cafés, shops, transport
  • Smart lock or key box — self check-in

How Much to Invest in Preparation?

There's no universal answer — it depends on the apartment's condition, rental type, and your budget. Here are approximate ranges:

calculator and budget planning documents for apartment renovation

Budget Option: €3,000–5,000

  • IKEA furniture and appliances
  • Cosmetic renovation (painting, floor restoration)
  • Basic interior
  • Best for: student rentals, residential neighborhoods

Mid-range Option: €8,000–15,000

  • Higher-quality furniture (IKEA premium line, BoConcept outlet)
  • Bathroom and kitchen refresh
  • Professional lighting plan
  • Best for: long-term rental to young professionals, mid-range neighborhoods

Premium Option: €20,000+

  • Full renovation with designer assistance
  • High-quality furniture and finishes
  • Smart home elements
  • Best for: corporate rental, short-term Airbnb in Old Town

The most important question: how quickly does the investment pay off? Use the profitability calculator — it will show how different investment levels affect your overall return. If you're financing the preparation with a loan, check the monthly payment with the loan calculator.

Property Protection Through Material Choices

A rental apartment experiences more wear and tear than a personally occupied one. Choose materials strategically:

  • Floors: vinyl plank or ceramic tile > laminate. Water-resistant, easy to clean, more scratch-resistant
  • Walls: washable latex paint (3–5 coats) — you can wipe stains without repainting
  • Kitchen countertop: quartz or laminated HPL > natural marble (expensive and acid-sensitive)
  • Bathroom: glazed tiles, silicone sealing replaced every 2–3 years
  • Furniture: solid wood or quality MDF > cheapest particle board. The investment pays off through longer service life

💡 Tip: Before each new tenant, take apartment photos and prepare a handover act documenting the condition — this is the single most important property protection step (details in Part 1 of this series).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to prepare a 2-room apartment for rent in Vilnius?

Depends on the current condition: if the apartment already has finishes, €3,000–5,000 might suffice for furniture and appliances. If renovation is needed, expect €10,000–20,000. Smart approach: start with essentials and upgrade after the first year of renting, when you have cash flow.

Is it worth hiring an interior designer?

For long-term rental — not necessarily. Scandinavian IKEA style works perfectly without a designer. For short-term rental (Airbnb) or the corporate segment — yes. A designer consultation costs €300–800 and can increase rent by 10–20%.

What furniture to choose for 5+ years of service?

IKEA HEMNES, MALM, KALLAX lines are time-tested. For sofas, choose washable fabric or leather upholstery. Avoid: cheapest particle board furniture without laminated surfaces — they can't handle intensive use.

How does Airbnb preparation differ from long-term rental?

Airbnb = hotel: you need everything from bedding to a coffee maker. Long-term rental = empty space with basic appliances where the tenant brings their own things. There's also a big difference in maintenance intensity — Airbnb requires cleaning after every guest.

Sources:

  1. Brandon Turner, Heather Turner — "The Book on Managing Rental Properties" (BiggerPockets, 2015)
  2. Airbnb Resource Center — Prepare your space — accessed 2026-03-27
  3. Aruodas.lt — apartments for rent in Vilnius — accessed 2026-03-27

This is the second part of a three-part series "Preparing an Apartment for Rent." In Part 3 — finding and screening tenants: how to create a listing, select reliable tenants, and set the rules.